Last updated: May 3, 2025
Understanding the UV Index in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe, is crucial for safeguarding your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation. With peak UV levels reaching up to 10 around midday, awareness of these fluctuations can help you take necessary precautions to prevent sunburn and promote overall skin health. Chinhoyi's Cwa climate typically brings clear skies and strong sun exposure, making it essential to monitor UV levels daily. By staying informed, you can enjoy the sun while minimizing the risks associated with excessive UV exposure.
The UV Index throughout the day showcases a dramatic ascent and descent in sun intensity. Starting low at 1 by 7:00 AM, it climbs steadily, hitting 2 by 8:00 AM. By 09:00 AM, the index ramps up to 5, and peaks at an intense 10 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM—the critical hours to seek shade or slather on sunscreen. As the afternoon progresses, the index begins to decline, falling to 9 at 1:00 PM, and gradually tapering off to 6 at 2:00 PM, before dropping to 3 by 3:00 PM. The evening sees a dramatic plunge, settling back to 1 by 4:00 PM and finally reaching 0 after 6:00 PM. Visitors and locals alike should take note of the peak hours to ensure safe sun exposure!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 11:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 15:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 16:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 17:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 18:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 0 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV index levels exhibit notable seasonal variations, with extreme levels predominating during the winter and fall months. High-risk months include January through April (UV Index 18-13), where exposure is categorized as extreme and the burn time is just 10 minutes. As spring transitions into summer, the UV Index gradually decreases, reaching its lowest point of 8-10 from May to July, categorized as very high, with a slightly increased burn time of 15 minutes. However, August through November sees a resurgence of extreme UV levels, particularly in August and September when the UV Index peaks again at 11-12 and maintains a burn time of 10 minutes. Given these high UV readings, it is crucial for visitors and residents to exercise caution by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen regularly, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours to safeguard against skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulawayo UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Mutare UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Gweru UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Chitungwiza UVI | 17 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 |
| Harare UVI | 18 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 15 |
| Chinhoyi | 18 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 16 |